My OperaThe Rotten Borough
Wednesday, May 20, 2009 5:23:18 PM
Westminster is a corrupt and rotten borough. There are more snouts in troughs than in the average pig farm. British voters loath and despise their politicians.
How have we reached this parlous state? I put it down to the party system.
Political parties came into existence to assist MPs - it was supposed to be the servant. Over centuries the servant became the master. In the past few decades the party has gained absolute control. MPs have become the slaves to the puppet-master at number 10.
Look at the number of ridiculous laws that have only come into being because of party pressure - three line whips. The poll tax, the railway carve-up, identity cards, etc, etc, etc. It doesn't matter what individuals think or what their conscious tells them - if they want to stay in power they MUST follow the party line.
This leviathan must be destroyed.
One simple change can do it - give MPs secret voting. No more antiquated Yays and Nays. The whips would be emasculated. Laws would only get through if they commanded general support.
Of course I don't expect any of the big 3 to take up this option. They will cling on to power at all costs. Still who would slaughter a thin porker?
How have we reached this parlous state? I put it down to the party system.
Political parties came into existence to assist MPs - it was supposed to be the servant. Over centuries the servant became the master. In the past few decades the party has gained absolute control. MPs have become the slaves to the puppet-master at number 10.
Look at the number of ridiculous laws that have only come into being because of party pressure - three line whips. The poll tax, the railway carve-up, identity cards, etc, etc, etc. It doesn't matter what individuals think or what their conscious tells them - if they want to stay in power they MUST follow the party line.
This leviathan must be destroyed.
One simple change can do it - give MPs secret voting. No more antiquated Yays and Nays. The whips would be emasculated. Laws would only get through if they commanded general support.
Of course I don't expect any of the big 3 to take up this option. They will cling on to power at all costs. Still who would slaughter a thin porker?
